Mrs Bolajoko Morolake Falore (née Thompson), the respected educationist and Proprietress of Mind Builders School, will celebrate her 70th birthday on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Born on Saturday, June 23, 1956, into the notable Gureje–Thompson family of Eti-Oni, near Ilesa, in present-day Atakumosa East Local Council Area of Osun State, she has dedicated her life to advancing education in Nigeria.
Early Life and Family Background
Her father, Chief Samuel Olatunde Thompson, was a distinguished education administrator who served for many years as Bursar of Ilesa Grammar School and later retired as Bursar of Oduduwa College, Ile-Ife. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was also a respected traditional ruler who became the Oloni of Eti-Oni in September 1957 and reigned until his passing in 1992.
Educational Journey
She began her educational journey at St. John’s ‘B’ Primary School, Iloro, Ilesa, and later attended Methodist High School, Ilesa, where she completed her secondary education in 1974. Thereafter, she joined the pioneer set of the UPE-sponsored Teacher Training Programme at the Government Teacher Training College (GTTC), Ilesa. After qualifying as a Grade II Teacher, she started her teaching career at St. John’s School A, Iloro. She then proceeded to Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State, where she obtained a National Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1981, and later pursued a full-time university degree and a Master’s degree.
Career and Marriage
After completing the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at Government College, Ikoyi, between 1982 and 1983, she married her longtime friend on April 2, 1983. Shortly after, she began teaching at Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos State. She enrolled at the University of Ife, obtaining her university degree in 1988, and later earned a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration on a part-time basis from the University of Lagos, Akoka. She then joined the newly established Atlantic Hall, temporarily located at Maryland, Lagos, as one of the pioneer teachers. Her career later took her to the Inspectorate Division of the Lagos State Ministry of Education, where she served as an Inspector of Education. After about 10 years of meritorious service, she voluntarily retired as a Senior Inspector of Education in 1997 to pursue her dream of establishing a school.
Founding Mind Builders School
In January 1998, with strong support from her husband, she established Mind Builders School, starting modestly with only 18 pupils and six teachers in a wing of a duplex at Omole Phase 1 Estate, Lagos. Beyond the school itself, she has remained actively involved in developing private education in Nigeria through participation in several educational associations and committees. She served as Chairman of the Ikeja Chapter of the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Lagos State, introducing innovative ideas that strengthened the association. She has also contributed actively within the Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN) and currently serves as President of the World Organisation for Early Childhood Education (OMEP), Lagos Chapter.
Legacy and Contributions
Falore’s life and career represent a remarkable contribution to the growth and development of private education in Nigeria. Her greatest contributions include the establishment and sustained development of Mind Builders School, advancement of teacher professional development, mentorship and production of educational leaders, contribution to educational administration and quality assurance, promotion of child-centered education, support for inclusive and accessible education, contribution to educational associations and policy discussions, contribution to academic excellence and human capital development, and promotion of women leadership in education.
